Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe are taking over presenting duties this autumn following a major revamp aimed at keeping the BBC favourite on top
Strictly’s new hosts have been warned not to try and fill Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s shoes as bosses pin hopes on a fresh era for the show.
Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe are taking over presenting duties this autumn following a major revamp aimed at keeping the BBC favourite on top.
It comes after a string of backstage controversies overshadowed recent series. Judges Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood have urged the incoming trio to be themselves rather than imitate their predecessors.
Anton said: “Don’t try to be the other two girls because you won’t be. Be yourself, you’ve been chosen because you’re obviously amazing.
“The show is the show, just become part of it. Don’t think that you’ve got to be anything bigger, and Strictly will carry you along because it’s an incredible show.
“My advice is to enjoy yourself.”
The shake-up comes after several rocky years including allegations of dodgy training methods and unacceptable backstage behaviour.
BBC bosses have responded with new welfare measures while overhauling parts of the cast.
Professional dancers Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Gorka Marquez and Michelle Tsiakkas have all departed ahead of the new series.
Craig welcomed the fresh faces, saying long-running shows sometimes need a reset.
He added to the new issue of Bella magazine: “When I’m casting a musical, and it’s been on in the West End for a year, I generally re-cast for the following year to freshen it up.”
But Anton joked he was thrilled one part of the programme had survived the cull, adding: “I’m more than happy to stay in the job longer than I should be.
“You can freshen up everything around the judges!”
Shirley Ballas, 65, and 45-year-old Motsi Mabuse are also sticking around on the panel.
The Beeb has not yet announced the celebrities who will be battling it out for the coveted Glitterball Trophy this year.
But EastEnders icon Lacey Turner, 38, TV presenter Jeff Brazier, 47, and Neighbours alum Delta Goodrem, 41, are some of the names tipped to join.
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